Looks like a new-fangled contraption, right? Truth is, the cookie press has been around for almost fifty years. Want to turn out buttery spritz cookies? How about homemade Milanos? Then you’re going to want to invest in one of these, and you will never have to reach for store-bought versions again.

The science behind the cookie press is pretty simple: fill the tube with cookie dough, and fit one of the metal disks at the bottom. Then, press the bottom of the tube right on to the cookie sheet, and press. When the dough comes out, it forms shapes corresponding to the disks. Flowers, hearts, squiggles, snowflakes – the designs that are available will vary depending on the brand you buy.

You can’t use just any cookie dough recipe here, since the dough has to be the right consistency to fit through the disks. I provide my recipe below, and most cookie presses come with a recipe in the box. For the press to work, your dough cannot be refrigerated. If you do need to make your dough in advance, make sure it comes to room temperature before filling the tube.

So what can you use your new contraption to make? How about a homemade version of those classic swiss fudge cookies from Stella D’Oro? Make the flower shape and then fill the centers with a little chocolate ganache.

What about your own version of Milanos? Two oval shaped cookies, sandwiched together with a little melted chocolate – voila! The opportunities for your new gadget are endless, and any of the varieties would be great to slip in to your Mishloach Manot for Purim. You can top your designs with sprinkles, colored sanding sugars or even pieces of fruit. You’ll get 10 phone calls asking how you made that cool design!

Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add in the egg, vanilla and salt and beat until combined.
Stir in the flour.
Fill the cookie press with the dough and fit the disk on.
Press the cookies out onto ungreased baking sheets, 1 inch apart.
Bake on 375 F for about 10 minutes, until just lightly golden.
Transfer to wire racks until cool.
Decorate as desired!